Is Leaving a Power Adapter Cord in the Socket Dangerous?

Many of us, for greater convenience, leave power adapter cords plugged into outlets for weeks or even months, and apparently no particular problem arises. But could this practice pose risks to us?

For more convenience, many of us sometimes leave the connecting wire in the power outlet for weeks and months, and apparently no special problem occurs; But can this work bring us any dangers?

Safir Arjan, Farkhunde Rafai: Connecting wires are a simple solution to access out-of-reach sockets, but sometimes their temporary use becomes a permanent habit. Electrical safety experts warn that these wires are not designed to replace the fixed wiring of the building and their improper use can be dangerous.

Why is it dangerous to leave the connecting wire in the outlet?

According to Engget, the American Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) emphasizes that connecting wires are made for temporary use and continuous use can damage them. Cracked coating, loose connections and hot plug are signs that should be taken seriously.

Of course, connecting a connecting wire without a consumer does not necessarily mean that it will get hot or catch fire. The main danger increases when the cord is used for a long time, damaged, or a device with a higher power consumption is connected to the cord.

What mistakes increase the risk of fire?

One of the common mistakes is to run the connecting wire under the carpet or cover it with things. This prevents heat dissipation and may increase the temperature of the wire. Passing the wire under the door, window or walkway also increases the possibility of damage to its cover.

Also, several connecting wires should not be connected to each other in order to obtain a longer length. This method can increase the risk of injury and electrical problems.

Another important point is the capacity to withstand electric current. Connecting wires are produced with different thicknesses and capacities, and not all of them are suitable for powering high-consumption devices. For example, an electric heater consumes much more electricity than a laptop charger.

The U.S. Fire Marshal's Office recommends that large electrical appliances be plugged directly into a wall outlet. This advice is more serious about portable electric heaters; For these devices, you should not use connecting wire or multi-way power.

When should we replace the connector wire?

If the cord's coating is cracked, the plug or connector is loose, or it overheats during use, stop using it and replace the cord if damaged. Also, the capacity listed on the wire should be proportional to the consumption of the device connected to it.

Experts recommend that if a device remains connected to a cable for weeks or months, consider a more permanent solution, such as installing an outlet in a suitable location. The connecting wire should not replace the basic wiring of the building.

Finally, it is better to disconnect the connection cable from the outlet after the end of use; Especially if you no longer need it. Periodically checking the condition of wires, avoiding connecting multiple wires to each other and keeping them away from carpets and appliances are simple measures to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire.